Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Play in FIFA's First Club World Cup, Lionel Messi Also in Talks — Confirms President Gianni Infantino

Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Play in FIFA's First Club World Cup, Lionel Messi Also in Talks — Confirms President Gianni Infantino

Cristiano Ronaldo is in discussions to play in FIFA’s inaugural Club World Cup scheduled for this June, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The head of world football's governing body revealed that the Portuguese superstar may participate in the Club World Cup in the United States this summer, thanks to a special transfer window opened specifically for the tournament.

Although Ronaldo’s current club, Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia, did not qualify for the tournament, Infantino hinted that he could join one of the 32 participating clubs on a short-term basis.

Speaking to YouTube streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino said, “Cristiano Ronaldo could play in the Club World Cup. There are ongoing talks with some clubs. So if any club wants to bring him in, who knows! There are still a few weeks left — it would be fun.”

On Wednesday, FIFA confirmed that participating teams will be allowed to make last-minute player signings. This announcement has fueled speculation that a club may attempt to sign the 40-year-old Ronaldo on a short-term contract — even on a loan deal.

While such a transfer would be unprecedented in modern football, it could prove to be a strategic move for FIFA, potentially boosting the popularity and ticket sales of the tournament's debut edition. It may also provide an opportunity to reunite Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on the same stage for the first time since the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Back in October, FIFA invited Messi’s club Inter Miami to participate in the Club World Cup to fill a reserved slot for the champions of the United States. However, Inter Miami failed to qualify after being eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Rumors suggest that Ronaldo may join one of the following clubs: Al Hilal (the only Saudi team that qualified), Brazilian side Palmeiras, or Moroccan club Wydad — though these clubs are currently under FIFA transfer bans, preventing them from signing new players.

FIFA has approved a special rule allowing player transfers during two windows: June 1–10 and June 27–July 3.

In a statement, FIFA said: “The purpose of this decision is to encourage clubs and players to find appropriate solutions that allow participation, especially for players whose contracts are about to expire.”